Greg

Salas

X-rays were negative, but the team is still waiting on CT scan results. Salas is off the fantasy radar after a miserable performance in his debut as Danny Amendola’s replacement. Mike Sims-Walker, Brandon Gibson, and Danario Alexander are the top three receivers right now.

Salas had one of the worst Monday night performances we’ve seen in a while, fumbling away a punt that led to a New York touchdown and dropping multiple passes in big situations. Though he saw eight targets, it’s very likely a number he won’t surpass in the foreseeable future. He’s a sure bet to end up in Steve Spagnuolo’s doghouse after tonight’s dreadful game.

As previously reported, both Steven Jackson and Cadillac Williams are active. Salas’ benching comes six days after he turned in a nightmare performance against the Giants. He’s being replaced by fellow rookie Austin Pettis, who was inactive for the Rams’ first two games. Amendola remains unlikely to return before the Rams’ Week 5 bye.

The injury happened late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to Arizona. Salas was just coming into his own after a miserable start to his rookie season, having overtaken fellow rookie Austin Pettis for St. Louis’ primary slot receiver job. Pettis will likely now move into the role, giving him some appeal in PPR leagues. Sam Bradford loves checking down into the slot, and Salas had 12 receptions in his last two games. The injury should not be a long-term concern, which is the best news for Salas.

Salas was extremely efficient, hauling in five of his six looks. The Rams’ new slot man was also impressive in the open field, making a habit of tacking on extra yards. The fourth-round pick could turn into a real PPR asset once Sam Bradford returns.

He’ll have surgery on Thursday, November 10 to repair the fractured leg as well as an operation on his left ankle. With 22 receptions in his last four games, Salas was putting a stranglehold on the slot job prior to the injury. The 2011 fourth-rounder should be healthy before training camp, leaving him with a good chance to nail down a roster spot next year. Salas has better run-after-catch ability than Danny Amendola (triceps), who is a restricted free agent in 2012.

Austin Pettis, who racked up three catches in just seven minutes after Salas went down Sunday, is the heavy favorite to take his place in the slot. It will complicate things, however, if Mark Clayton (Achilles, knee) comes off the PUP list before Wednesday’s deadline. Regardless, Pettis is the better bet to make an impact in Week 10, and is worth a flier in PPR leagues.

The injury happened on Salas’ seventh catch of the day; he was ripping it up in PPR leagues with Sam Bradford back at the helm. The Rams’ backup slot receiver is fellow rookie Austin Pettis. Salas had really been coming on as a chain-mover in the slot, so the Rams will hope the injury isn’t season-ending.

Salas’ rookie season ended early due to a fractured fibula, but he reportedly impressed during the spring as an outside receiver. The battle for wideout snaps in St. Louis is wide open with Brian Quick, Chris Givens, Danario Alexander, Steve Smith and Salas all in the mix.

Beat writer Jim Thomas expected Brian Quick, Chris Givens, and Danny Amendola to be the top three receivers this year, but Smith is making a run up the depth chart along with Greg Salas, who also had a strong spring. Danario Alexander can’t be ruled out, either, after showing playmaking ability this week. Training camp and exhibition action will solidify the pecking order in St. Louis.